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Azerbaijan: haematology

Haematology is the branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the blood and bone marrow. A person with leukaemia in Azerbaijan is first and foremost in the hands of a haematology team. This chapter explains how haematology services work, who is on the team and what to expect.

Last updated: ~2 min read
On a dark navy background, translucent silhouettes seen from behind around a round table, a glowing cell model in the centre.
Figure 1.A whole team treats leukaemia.

01Short answer

The hub of haematology services in Azerbaijan is the national haematology centre in Baku; according to its official website, it provides diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases, laboratory testing, transfusion services and bone marrow transplantation. The haematology team includes haematologists, nurses, laboratory staff and a transfusion specialist, joined when needed by intensive care, infectious-disease and other specialists. Acute leukaemia is treated mainly as an inpatient; chronic leukaemia is often monitored as an outpatient.

02Simple explanation

A haematologist is a doctor for blood diseases; they draw up the leukaemia treatment plan.

The team also includes nurses, laboratory staff and other specialists.

Complex cases are decided at a case conference — a joint discussion by several doctors.

Treatment is given as an inpatient or as an outpatient (day unit).

03Scientific explanation

The centre’s functions: according to its official website, it diagnoses and treats haematological and haemato-oncological diseases and provides laboratory diagnostics, transfusion services and bone marrow transplantation.

Team approach: Cancer.Net (ASCO) explains that cancer care is delivered by a team of different specialists and advises getting to know each member of the team.

The basis of diagnosis: according to the NCI, acute leukaemia is diagnosed from blood and bone marrow tests, including flow cytometry and genetic tests, which shape the choice of treatment.

04What happens in the body?

Who is on the haematology team?

Your treating haematologist, the head of department, doctors on call, nurses, laboratory specialists and a transfusion specialist. When needed, intensive care, infectious-disease, cardiology, dental and psychology colleagues join in.

The laboratory

Microscopy of blood and bone marrow, flow cytometry and other tests are the basis of diagnosis. For some special genetic tests, a sample may be sent to another laboratory, sometimes abroad — ask your doctor about this.

Bone marrow testing is the basis of diagnosis
Figure 2.Bone marrow testing is the basis of diagnosis.

Which services are available?

Diagnosis, chemotherapy, blood transfusion, treatment of infections, bone marrow transplantation and follow-up. Children have separate paediatric haematology services.

On a dark navy background, five lanterns in a row along a corridor, each holding a small symbol.
Figure 3.A haematology centre brings several services together.

05Haematology care in four steps

From consultation to treatment.

Consultation — First meeting with a haematologist.1ConsultationFirst meeting with a haematologist.
Tests — Bone marrow and laboratory tests.2TestsBone marrow and laboratory tests.
Case conference — Doctors discuss the plan together.3Case conferenceDoctors discuss the plan together.
Treatment — As an inpatient or outpatient.4TreatmentAs an inpatient or outpatient.
One teamYou know who is responsible for what.
Accurate diagnosisThe plan is based on tests.
Clear contactYou know whom to call.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Who is on the haematology team?Your treating haematologist, the head of department, doctors on call, nurses, laboratory specialists and a transfusion specialist. When needed, intensive care, infectious-disease, cardiology, dental and psychology colleagues join in.
The laboratoryMicroscopy of blood and bone marrow, flow cytometry and other tests are the basis of diagnosis. For some special genetic tests, a sample may be sent to another laboratory, sometimes abroad — ask your doctor about this.
Which services are available?Diagnosis, chemotherapy, blood transfusion, treatment of infections, bone marrow transplantation and follow-up. Children have separate paediatric haematology services.

07Key terms

Haematologist
A doctor specialising in blood diseases.
Case conference
A joint discussion by several doctors to reach a decision.
Flow cytometry
A test that identifies cells by their surface “markers”.
Inpatient care
Treatment while staying in hospital.

08Key points

  • The main institution is the National Centre in Baku.
  • A haematologist draws up the plan.
  • Complex cases go to a case conference.
  • Some tests may be sent to another laboratory.
  • Children have separate services.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I choose my doctor?

It depends on the institution’s rules. Ask the head of department or reception.

What should I ask?

The full name of the diagnosis, genetic features, the aim and length of treatment, and whom to call at night.

Are tests sent abroad?

Sometimes, for special genetic tests. Your doctor will say whether this is needed.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I choose my doctor?

  2. What should I ask?

  3. Are tests sent abroad?

My questions

12Sources

  1. State haematology centre (Baku). Official website (in Azerbaijani)
  2. Official website of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Decree on the establishment of the national haematology centre, 23 December 2019 (in Azerbaijani)
  3. Cancer.Net (ASCO). The Oncology Team
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  5. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Bone marrow aspiration
  6. ESMO. ESMO Patient Guides
  7. European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (WHO). Azerbaijan: health system information and resources
  8. European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). MedCOI Topical Report: Georgia, Haematology, 2026 (PDF)
  9. New Hospitals (Tbilisi). Center of Oncohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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